For Holiday Entertaining, Think Lobster Claws

'Tis the season for holiday entertaining, and no dish turns a gathering into a celebration more easily than Maine Lobster. With a variety of products available - from whole lobster to cocktail claws and fresh lobster meat to heat-and-serve lobster dishes - there is a Maine Lobster for every occasion.

The Maine Lobster Promotion Council has cooking instructions and hundreds of easy-to-make recipes from award-winning chefs in Maine as well as recipes sent in from lobster lovers all over the country on its web site at www.lobsterfrommaine.com.

Make sure to check out delicious new holiday recipes created specially by Maine Lobster Chef of the Year Kerry Altiero.

"In Maine, we have had an abundant lobster harvest, so it's a great time to support your local lobstermen," said Marianne LaCroix, acting executive director of the Maine Lobster Promotion Council. "Maine Lobster makes a great gift that is easy to order online and ship anywhere in the country."

The Maine Lobster Promotion Council web site provides a searchable database of lobster dealers that will ship everything from live lobster to ready-to-cook lobster dishes, anywhere in the U.S., overnight. A gift of Maine Lobster is sure to be appreciated by even the most difficult to please.

Lobster’s health benefits also make it a wise choice for the holidays.

Maine lobster is a healthy protein, low in fat, calories and cholesterol. According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s dietary guidelines, 20 percent of our total protein intake should come from seafood, which translates to eight to 12 ounces per week.

While shrimp and canned tuna have ranked highest in pounds consumed per year in the U.S., lobster is considered one of the tastier seafood options by most palate standards.

Founded by the lobster industry and funded by lobster license holders, the Maine Lobster Promotion Council represents the interests of the entire Maine lobster industry from the harvesters, to the dealers and processors.

When a 100-pound shipment of lobsters arrived at Bill Sarro’s seafood shop and restaurant last month, it contained a surprise - six orange crustaceans that have been said to be a 1-in-10-million oddity.